Seedbed condition monitoring system with a seedbed surface detection assembly

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a system tier monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include an implement having a plurality of ground-engaging tools supported by a frame, with the implement being configured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extending downwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbed floor. The system may also include an auxiliary support arm coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent to the aft end of the frame and a seedbed surface detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm such that the seedbed surface detection assembly is located behind the ground-engaging tools relative to a forward travel direction of the implement. The seedbed surface detection assembly may be configured to detect variations in a profile of the outer seedbed surface as the implement is moved in the forward travel direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter is generally directed to a seedbed conditionmonitoring system when performing field operations (e.g., tillageoperations) and, more particularly, to a system for detecting variationsin a profile(s) of the outer seedbed surface created or traversed acrossby an agricultural implement during the performance of a fieldoperation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that to attain the best agricultural performance from apiece of land, a farmer must cultivate the soil, typically through atillage operation. Common tillage operations include plowing, harrowing,and sub-soiling. Modern farmers perform these tillage operations bypulling a tillage implement behind an agricultural work vehicle, such asa tractor. Depending on the crop selection and the soil conditions, afarmer may need to perform several tillage operations at different timesover a crop cycle to properly cultivate the land to suit the cropchoice.

When performing a tillage operation, it is desirable to create a leveland uniform layer of tilled soil across the field to form a properseedbed for subsequent planting operations. However, due to varying soilconditions across the field and/or other factors, the levelness and/oruniformity of the seedbed may be impacted significantly. Such poorseedbed conditions can result in a subsequent loss in the crop yield,such as due to poor germination and/or non-uniform plant stands. In thisregard, attempts have been made to develop systems to monitor thecondition of the seedbed created during a tillage operation. However, todate, such systems have failed to provide an effective and simplesolution for monitoring seedbed conditions.

Accordingly, an improved system for monitoring seedbed conditions wouldbe welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system formonitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field. The system mayinclude an implement having a frame extending between a forward end andan aft end. The implement may further include a plurality ofground-engaging tools supported by the frame, with the implement beingconfigured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extendingdownwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbedfloor. The system may also include an auxiliary support arm extendinglengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end maybe rigidly coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent to the aftend of the frame such that the auxiliary support arm is non-pivotallycoupled to the frame. Additionally, the system may include a seedbedsurface detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm suchthat the seedbed surface detection assembly is located behind theground-engaging tools relative to a forward travel direction of theimplement. The seedbed surface detection assembly may include a pivotarm pivotally coupled to the auxiliary support arm and asurface-engaging member coupled to the pivot arm. The surface-engagingmember may be configured to contact the outer seedbed surface as theimplement is moved across the field in the forward travel direction.Moreover, the system may also include a sensor configured to detectpivotal motion of the pivot arm relative to the support arm, with thepivotal motion of the pivot arm being indicative of variations in aprofile of the outer seedbed surface as the surface-engaging membercontacts the outer seedbed surface with movement of the implement in theforward travel direction.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a systemfor monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field. The system mayinclude an implement having a frame extending between a forward end andan aft end. The implement may also include a plurality ofground-engaging tools supported by the frame, with the implement beingconfigured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extendingdownwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbedfloor. The system may also include an auxiliary support arm extendinglengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximalend being rigidly coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent tothe aft end of the frame such that the auxiliary support arm isnon-pivotally coupled to the frame. In addition, the system may includea seedbed surface detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary supportarm such that the seedbed surface detection assembly is located behindthe ground-engaging tools relative to a forward travel direction of theimplement. The seedbed surface detection assembly may include a pivotarm pivotally coupled to the auxiliary support arm and asurface-engaging member coupled to the pivot arm. The surface-engagingmember may be configured to contact the outer seedbed surface as theimplement is moved across the field in the forward travel direction. Theseedbed surface detection assembly may also include a seedbed surfacesensor configured to detect pivotal motion of the pivot arm relative tothe support arm. Moreover, the system may include a controllercommunicatively coupled to the seedbed surface sensor. The controllermay be configured to detect variations in a profile of the outer seedbedsurface as the surface-engaging member contacts the outer seedbedsurface with movement of the implement in the forward travel directionbased on sensor measurements provided by the seedbed surface sensor.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a system formonitoring the condition of a seedbed when performing a field operationin accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularlyillustrating the system including a tillage implement and seedbed floorand surface detection assemblies coupled to the tillage implement via anauxiliary support arm;

FIG. 2. illustrates a partial perspective view of the system shown inFIG. 1, particularly illustrating an aft portion of the tillageimplement as well as the seedbed floor and surface detection assembliesbeing coupled to a frame of the tillage implement at or adjacent to itsaft end;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the auxiliarysupport arm, the seedbed floor detection assembly, and the seedbedsurface detection assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the system componentsshown in FIG. 3, particularly illustrating the seedbed floor detectionassembly and the seedbed surface detection assembly coupled to a distalportion of the support arm;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the seedbed floor detectionassembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the seedbed surface detectionassembly removed for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the seedbed surface detectionassembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the seedbed floor detectionassembly removed for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified view of ground-engaging portions of theseedbed floor detection assembly and the seedbed surface detectionassembly positioned relative to a floor and an outer surface,respectively, of a seedbed directly behind a tillage implement followingthe performance of a field operation;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a controldiagram for the disclosed system in accordance with aspects of thepresent subject matter;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of systemcomponents suitable for use within a system for monitoring the conditionof a seedbed when performing a field operation in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating thesystem including an auxiliary support arm and a seedbed floor detectionassembly coupled to the support arm; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of systemcomponents suitable for use within a system for monitoring the conditionof a seedbed when performing a field operation in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating thesystem including an auxiliary support arm and a seedbed surfacedetection assembly coupled to the support arm,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a system andmethod for monitoring the condition of a seedbed created during theperformance of a field operation, such as a tillage operation.Specifically, in several embodiments, a seedbed floor detection assemblyand/or a seedbed surface detection assembly may be coupled to anagricultural implement at its aft end such that the assembly(ies) can beutilized to monitor the condition(s) of the seedbed directly behind theimplement. For instance, the seedbed floor detection assembly may beconfigured to detect variations in a vertical profile of the seedbedfloor as the implement is moved across the field. Similarly, the seedbedsurface detection assembly may be configured to detect variations in avertical profile of the outer seedbed surface as the implement is movedacross the field. Based on such detected profile variations, acontroller of the system may be configured to execute a control action(e.g., by adjusting the operation of the tillage implement) to accountfor the profile variations, thereby allowing a more uniform and levelseedbed to be created as the field operation is being performed.

The present subject matter will generally be described herein in thecontext of monitoring seedbed conditions when performing a tillageoperation using a tillage implement, such as a cultivator. However, itshould be appreciated that the disclosed system and method may also beused to monitor seedbed conditions within a field when performing anyother suitable type of field operation, such as fertilizing, planting,and/or the like. Additionally, it should be appreciated that thedisclosed system components may be provided in operative associationwith any suitable agricultural implement configured to perform a fieldoperation, such as cultivators, disk harrows, planters, fertilizers,chisels, and/or the like.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate differingperspective views of one embodiment of a system 100 for monitoring oneor more conditions of a seedbed when performing a field operation inaccordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tillage implement 102 of thesystem 100 as well as various other components of the disclosed system100 installed at or adjacent to an aft end of the implement 102.Additionally, FIG. 2, illustrates a partial, perspective view of an aftor rear portion of the tillage implement 102 shown in FIG. 1,particularly illustrating a more detailed view of the various systemcomponents installed at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement 102.

In general, the system 100 may include an implement 102 configured to betowed or pulled behind a work vehicle (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), suchas an agricultural tractor, in a forward direction of travel (e.g., asindicated by arrow 106 in FIG. 1). As shown, the tillage implement 102may include a main implement frame 108 extending lengthwise between aforward end 110 and an aft end 112 and cross-wise between a first side114 and a second side 116. In one embodiment, the implement frame 108may include a hitch 118 or other suitable coupling located at itsforward end 110 that is configured to couple the tillage implement 102to the associated work vehicle. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, theimplement frame 108 may include a plurality of frame members 120, 122,such as a plurality of lengthwise frame members 120 extendinglongitudinally between the forward and aft ends 110, 112 of the frame108 and a plurality of cross-wise frame members 122 extendinglongitudinally between the first and second sides 14, 116 of the frame108. Moreover, the implement 102 may also include a plurality of wheelscoupled to the implement frame 108, such as a set of centrally locatedwheels 124 and a set of from pivoting wheels 126.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tillage implement 102 may alsoinclude a plurality of ground-engaging tools 128, 129, 130 supported bythe implement frame 108. For instance, as shown in the illustratedembodiment, the implement 102 may include a plurality of rows of shanks128 coupled to a forward portion of the frame 108. In addition, theimplement 102 may include a plurality tines 129 supported by the frame108 at a location aft of the shanks 128. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1and 2, the tillage implement 102 may also include one or more rollingbaskets 130 coupled to the implement frame 108 at or adjacent to its aftend 112.

It should be appreciated that, in addition to the shanks 128, tines 129,and baskets 130 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (or as an alternative thereto),the implement 102 may include any other suitable ground-engaging tools.For instance, if the implement 102 is configured as a disk harrow, theimplement 102 may include a plurality of rows of disc blades, such as aplurality of fluted-concave disc blades. Similarly, if the implement 102is configured as a planter, the implement 102 may include a plurality ofopener discs, closer discs, pack wheels and/or the like.

In addition, the system 100 may also include various components providedin operative association with the tillage implement 102 for monitoringthe condition of the seedbed being created by the implement 102 whenperforming an operation within the field. Specifically, in severalembodiments, the system components may be configured to be installedonto the tillage implement 102 such that the condition of the seedbedmay be monitored immediately behind the aft-most ground-engaging toolsof the implement 102 (e.g., the row of rolling baskets 130 in theillustrated embodiment). As such, the disclosed system 100 may allow forthe quality of the seedbed to be assessed in real time as the tillageimplement 102 is being pulled across the field.

As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 may include an auxiliarysupport arm 150 configured to be coupled to a portion of the implementframe 108 at or adjacent to its aft end 112, such as by coupling theauxiliary support arm 150 to one of the cross-wise frame members 122configured to support one or more of the rolling baskets 130 adjacent tothe aft end 112 of the frame 108. Additionally, as shown in theillustrated embodiment, the system 100 may also include a seedbed floordetection assembly 152 and a seedbed surface detection assembly 154coupled to the auxiliary support arm 150. In general, the seedbed floorand surface detection assemblies 152, 154 may be configured to monitorthe condition of the seedbed created by the ground-engaging tools 128,130 of the implement 102 as the field operation is being performed. Forinstance, as will be described below, the seedbed floor detectionassembly 152 may be configured to detect variations in a verticalprofile of the floor of the seedbed (i.e., the upper surface of the firmlayer of unfilled soil positioned directly below the seedbed).Similarly, the seedbed surface detection assembly 154 may be configuredto sense variations in a vertical profile of the upper or outer surfaceof the seedbed created by the tillage implement 102. By sensingvariations in the profile(s) of the floor and/or the outer surface ofthe seedbed, the system 100 may allow for the quality of the seedbed tobe assessed, such as by assessing the levelness and/or uniformity of theseedbed. Moreover, as will be described below, in the event that it isdetermined that the seedbed quality is not as desired (e.g., due to thevariation in one or both of the seedbed profile(s) exceeding a givevariation threshold), a controller of the system 100 may be configuredto execute a control action to address the detected profile variations,such as by adjusting the operation of the tillage implement 102 and/orby transmitting a notification to the operator of the associated workvehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, various views of one embodiment of theauxiliary support arm 150, the seedbed floor detection assembly 152, andthe seedbed surface detection assembly 154 of the system 100 describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrated in accordance withaspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustratesa perspective view of the auxiliary support arm 150, the seedbed floordetection assembly 152, and the seedbed surface detection assembly 154.FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an aft portion of the auxiliarysupport arm 150, particularly illustrating the seedbed floor detectionassembly 152 and the seedbed surface detection assembly 154 coupled toand supported by the aft portion of the support arm 150. Additionally,FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the seedbed floor detectionassembly 152 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the seedbed surface detectionassembly 154 removed for purposes of illustration while FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view of the seedbed surface detection assembly154 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the seedbed floor detection assembly 152removed for purposes of illustration. Moreover, FIG. 7 illustrates asimplified view of ground-engaging portions of the seedbed floordetection assembly 152 and the seedbed surface detection assembly 154positioned relative to a floor 154 and an outer surface 156,respectively, of a seedbed 160 directly behind the tillage implement 102following the performance of a tillage operation.

As particularly shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary support arm 150 maygenerally be configured to extend lengthwise between a proximal end 162and a distal end 164. In general, the proximal end 162 of the supportarm 150 may be configured to be coupled to a portion of the implementframe 108 at or adjacent to its aft end 112. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, a clamp mount 166 or any other suitable mounting structure maybe provided at the proximal end 162 of the support arm 150 for couplingthe support arm 150 to one of the frame members 120, 122 of theimplement frame 108 disposed at or adjacent to the frame's aft end 112.For instance, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the proximal end 162of the support arm 150 is coupled to one of the cross-wise frame members122 configured to support one or more of the rolling baskets 130adjacent to the aft end 112 of the frame 108. However, in otherembodiments, the proximal end 162 of the support arm 150 may be coupledto any other suitable frame member 120, 122 or portion of the frame 108disposed at or adjacent to its aft end 112. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 3, the auxiliary support arm 150 may be configured to extendoutwardly from the implement frame 108 such that the distal end 164 ofthe auxiliary support arm 150 is spaced apart from the aft end 112 ofthe frame 108 in the direction opposite the forward travel direction 106of the implement 102. For instance, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS.1 and 2, the auxiliary support frame 150 may extend from the aft end 112of the implement frame 108 such that the seedbed floor detectionassembly 152 and the seedbed surface detection assembly 154 aresupported behind the row of rolling baskets 130 of the tillage implement102.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the proximal end162 of the auxiliary support arm 150 may be rigidly or non-pivotallycoupled to the frame 108 such that the positioning or orientation of thesupport arm 150 relative to the implement frame 108 remainssubstantially fixed or constant. As such, in accordance with aspects ofthe present subject matter, the support arm 150 may be used as areference for monitoring any variations in the profile(s) of the floor156 (FIG. 7) and/or the outer surface. 158 (FIG. 7) of the seedbed 160.

Moreover, in several embodiments, the auxiliary support arm 150 mayinclude two or more arm segments extending between its proximal anddistal ends 162, 164. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliarysupport arm 150 includes a first arm segment 168 extending from itsproximal end 162 to a mounting bracket 170 and a second arm segment 172extending outwardly from the mounting bracket 170 to the distal end 164of the support arm 150, with the first and second arm segments 168, 172being rigidly coupled to one another via the mounting bracket 170.However, in other embodiments, the auxiliary support arm 150 may beconfigured as a single continuous arm member extending between theproximal and distal ends 162, 164 of the support arm 150 or the supportarm 150 may include three or more arm segments rigidly coupled to oneanother between its proximal and distal ends 162, 164.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS, 3-5, the seedbed floor detectionassembly 152 may be configured to be supported by a portion of theauxiliary support arm 150 between its proximal and distal ends 162, 164,such as by coupling the floor detection assembly 152 to a portion of themounting bracket 170 of the support arm 150. In several embodiments, theseedbed floor detection assembly 152 may include one or more pivot arms(e.g., a first pivot arm 174 and a second pivot arm 176) pivotallycoupled to the support arm 150 such that the pivot arms 174, 176 areconfigured to pivot relative to the support arm 150. For instance, asparticularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pivot arms 174, 176 may bepivotally coupled to the support arm 150 at pivot points 178 definedbetween the pivot arms 174, 176 and the mounting bracket 170. As such,the pivot arms 174, 176 may pivot relative to the support arm 150 aboutthe pivot points 178 (e.g., as indicated by arrows 180, 182 in FIG. 4).

In addition, the seedbed floor detection assembly 152 may include one ormore seedbed tools 184 coupled to the pivot arms 174, 176. In general,the seedbed tool(s) 184 may be configured to ride along or otherwisecontact the floor 156 of the seedbed 160 created by the tillageimplement 102 as the implement 102 is being moved through the field,thereby allowing the seedbed tool(s) 184 to follow the contour orprofile of the seedbed floor 156. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7, theseedbed tool(s) 184 may ride along the seedbed floor 156 as the tillageimplement 102 (and, thus, the seedbed floor detection assembly 152) ismoved in the forward travel direction 106. Thus, as the seedbed tool(s)184 is moved across a portion of the seedbed floor 156 that includesvertically-oriented variations in its profile (e.g., dips or raises inthe seedbed floor 156), the seedbed tool(s) 184 may raise or lowerrelative to the auxiliary support arm 150 as the tool(s) 184 follows theprofile of the seedbed floor 156. Such raising or lowering of theseedbed tool(s) 184 may, in turn, result in the pivot arms 174, 176pivoting relative to the support arm 150. For instance, as the seedbedtool(s) 184 rises with increases in the vertical profile of the seedbedfloor 156, the pivot arms 174, 176 may pivot upwardly about the pivotpoints 178 in a first direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 180 in FIG.4). Similarly, as the seedbed tool(s) 184 lowers with reductions in thevertical profile of the seedbed floor 156, the pivot arms 174, 176 maypivot downwardly about the pivot points 178 in an opposite, seconddirection (e.g., as indicated by arrow 182 in FIG. 4).

In general, the seedbed tool(s) 184 may correspond to any suitabletool(s) and/or member(s) that is configured to penetrate through theloosened soil layer forming the seedbed 160 and ride along or otherwisecontact the seedbed floor 156 as the tillage implement 102 is beingmoved across the field. In several embodiments, the seedbed tools) 184may correspond to one or more rotary members configured to rotate orroll along the seedbed floor 156. For instance, as shown in theillustrated embodiment, the seedbed tool(s) 184 may correspond to a pairof rotary discs 186 (e.g., dulled coulter discs) configured to penetratethrough the loosened soil of the seedbed 160 and roll along the seedbedfloor 156. In such an embodiment, the rotary discs 186 may be coupled tothe pivot arms 174, 176 via a suitable support bracket 188 or othersuitable mounting means to allow the rotary discs 186 to be rotationallysupported relative to the seedbed floor 156. In other embodiments, theseedbed tool(s) 184 may correspond to one or more non-rotary tools, suchas a sweep or a tine, configured to penetrate through the loosened soilof the seedbed 160 and contact the seedbed floor 156 as the tillageimplement 102 is being moved across the field.

Additionally, the seedbed floor detection assembly 1 52 may also includeone or more seedbed floor sensors 190 configured to detect pivotalmotion of the pivot arms 174, 176 relative to the support arm 150. Bydetecting the pivotal motion of the pivot arms 174, 176 relative to thesupport arm 150, the sensor(s) 190 may be configured to indirectlydetect variations in the vertical profile of the seedbed floor 156 asthe pivot arms 174, 176 pivot due to changes in the vertical positioningof the seedbed tool(s) 184 as such tool(s) 184 ride along the seedbedfloor 156. Accordingly, the pivotal motion of the pivot arms 174, 176may be used to track variations in the vertical profile of the seedbedfloor 156.

It should be appreciated that the seedbed floor sensor(s) 190 maygenerally correspond to any suitable sensor(s) or sensing device(s) thatis configured to directly or indirectly detect the pivotal motion of thepivot arms 174, 176. In several embodiments, the seedbed floorsensor(s)) 190 may include a rotary sensor 192 (e.g., a rotarypotentiometer or a magnetic rotary sensor) coupled to the support arm150 or one of the pivot arms 174, 176 and an associated sensor linkage194 coupled between the rotary sensor 192 and the other adjacentcomponent. For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, therotary sensor 192 is coupled to a portion of the support arm 150, withthe sensor linkage 194 being coupled between the rotary sensor 192 andone of the pivot arms 174, 176. As such, when the pivot arms 174, 176pivot relative to the support arm 150, the motion of the pivot arms 174,176 may be detected by the rotary sensor 192 via the mechanical linkageprovided by the sensor linkage 194.

In other embodiments, the seedbed floor sensor(s) 190 may correspond toany other suitable sensor(s) or sensing device(s) configured to detectthe pivotal motion of the pivot arms 174, 176. For instance, the seedbedfloor sensor(s) 190 may correspond to a linear potentiometer, aproximity sensor, and/or any other suitable transducer (e.g.,ultrasonic, electromagnetic, infrared, etc.) that allows the pivotalmotion of the pivot arms 174, 176 to be directly or indirectly detected.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the seedbed floor detection assembly 152 mayalso include one or more biasing mechanisms 196 configured to bias theseedbed tool(s) 184 in the direction of the seedbed floor 156. Forinstance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing mechanisms196 correspond to first and second spring-loaded devices coupled betweensupport arm 150 and the first and second pivot arms 174, 176,respectively. As such, the spring-loaded devices may bias the pivot arms174, 176 away from the support arm 150, thereby forcing the seedbedtool(s) 184 downwardly in the direction of the seedbed floor 156.However, in other embodiments, the biasing mechanism(s) 196 maycorrespond to any other suitable device(s), such as a fluid-drivencylinder or any other suitable linear actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the seedbed surface detection assembly 154may be configured to be supported by a portion of the auxiliary supportarm 150 between its proximal and distal ends 162, 164 at a location aftof the seedbed floor detection assembly 152, such as by coupling thesurface detection assembly 154 to the support arm 150 adjacent to itsdistal end 164. In several embodiments, the seedbed surface detectionassembly 154 may include one or more pivot arms 200 pivotally coupled tothe support arm 150 such that the pivot arm(s) 200 is configured topivot relative to the support arm 150. For instance, as particularlyshown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the pivot arm 200 may be pivotally coupled tothe support arm 150 at a pivot point 202 defined between the pivot arm200 and the support arm 150. As such, the pivot arm 200 may pivotrelative to the support arm 150 about the pivot point 202 (e.g., asindicated by arrows 204, 206 in FIG. 6).

In addition, the seedbed surface detection assembly 154 may include oneor more surface-engaging members 208 coupled to the pivot arm 200. Ingeneral, the surface-engaging member(s) 208 may be configured to ridealong or otherwise contact the outer surface 158 of the seedbed 160created by the tillage implement 102 as the implement 102 is being movedthrough the field, thereby allowing the surface-engaging member(s) 208to follow the contour or profile of such outer seedbed surface 158. Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 7, the surface-engaging member(s) 208 maycorrespond to a rotary member(s) configured to roll along the outersurface 158 of the seedbed 160 as the tillage implement 102 (and, thus,the seedbed surface detection assembly 154) is moved in the forwardtravel direction 106. Thus, as the surface-engaging member(s) 208 rollsacross a portion of the outer seedbed surface 158 that includesvertically-oriented variations in its profile (e.g., dips or raises inthe outer surface 158), the surface-engaging member(s) 208 may raise orlower relative to the auxiliary support arm 150 as the member(s) 208follows the profile of the outer seedbed surface 158. Such raising orlowering of the surface-engaging member(s) 208 may, in turn, result inthe pivot arm 200 pivoting relative to the support arm 150. Forinstance, as the surface-engaging member(s) 208 rises with increases inthe vertical profile of the outer seedbed surface 158, the pivot arm 200may pivot upwardly about the pivot point 202 in a first direction (e.g.,as indicated by arrow 204 in FIG. 6). Similarly, as the surface-engagingmember(s) 208 lowers with reductions in the vertical profile of theouter seedbed surface 158, the pivot arm 200 may pivot downwardly aboutthe pivot point 202 in an opposite, second direction (e.g., as indicatedby arrow 206 in FIG. 6).

In general, the surface-engaging member(s) 208 may correspond to anysuitable tool and/or member that is configured to ride along orotherwise contact the outer seedbed surface 158 as the tillage implement102 is being moved across the field. As indicated above, thesurface-engaging member(s) 208 may, in several embodiments, correspondto one or more rotary members, such as one or more rolling baskets. Forinstance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the surface-engagingmember(s) 208 corresponds to a crumbler basket, such as a bar-based ortube-based crumbler basket, configured to roll along the outer seedbedsurface 158. In such an embodiment, the rolling basket may be coupled tothe pivot arm 200 via a suitable support bracket 210 or other suitablemounting means to allow the basket to be rotationally supported relativeto the outer seedbed surface 158. In other embodiments, thesurface-engaging member(s) 208 may correspond to any other suitablerotary tool(s) and/or member(s) configured to roll along the outerseedbed surface 158, such as a wheel or tire. Alternatively, thesurface-engaging members) 208 may correspond to any suitable non-rotarytool(s) and/or member(s) that is configured to ride along or otherwisecontact the outer seedbed surface 158, such as tine, fingers, and/or thelike.

Additionally, the seedbed surface detection assembly 154 may alsoinclude one or more seedbed surface sensors 212 configured to directlyor indirectly detect pivotal motion of the pivot arm 200 relative to thesupport arm 150. By detecting the pivotal motion of the pivot arm 200relative to the support arm 150, the sensor(s) 212 may be configured toindirectly detect variations in the vertical profile of the outerseedbed surface 158 as the pivot arm 200 pivots due to changes in thevertical positioning of the that is configured to ride along orotherwise contact the outer seedbed surface surface-engaging member(s)208 as such member(s) 208 rolls along the outer seedbed surface 158.Accordingly, the pivotal motion of the pivot arm 200 may be used totrack variations in the vertical profile of the outer seedbed surface158.

It should be appreciated that the seedbed surface sensor(s) 212 maygenerally correspond to any suitable sensor(s) or sensing device(s) thatis configured to directly or indirectly detect the pivotal motion of thepivot arm 200. In several embodiments, the seedbed surface sensor(s) 212may include a rotary sensor 214 (e.g., a rotary potentiometer or amagnetic rotary sensor) coupled to one of the support arm 150 or thepivot arm 200 and an associated sensor linkage 216 coupled between therotary sensor 214 and the other adjacent component. For instance, asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary sensor 214 is coupled toa portion of the support arm 150, with the sensor linkage 216 beingcoupled between the rotary sensor 214 and the pivot arm 200. As such,when the pivot arm 200 pivots relative to the support arm 150, themotion of the pivot arm 200 may be detected by the rotary sensor 214 viathe mechanical linkage provided by the sensor linkage 216.

In other embodiments, the seedbed surface sensor(s) 212 may correspondto any other suitable sensor(s) or sensing device(s) configured todetect the pivotal motion of the pivot arm 200. For instance, theseedbed surface sensor(s) 212 may correspond to a linear potentiometer,a proximity sensor, and/or any other suitable transducer (e.g.,ultrasonic, electromagnetic, infrared, etc.) that allows the pivotalmotion of the pivot arm 200 relative to the support arm 150 to bedirectly or indirectly detected.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the seedbed surface detection assembly 154may also include one or more biasing mechanisms 218 configured to biasthe surface-engaging member(s) 208 in the direction of the outer seedbedsurface 158. For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, thebiasing mechanism(s) 218 corresponds to a spring-loaded device coupledbetween the support arm 150 and the pivot arm 200. As such, thespring-loaded device may bias the pivot arm 200 away from the supportarm 150, thereby forcing the surface-engaging member(s) 208 downwardlyin the direction of the outer seedbed surface 158. However, in otherembodiments, the biasing mechanism(s) 218 may correspond to any othersuitable device(s), such as a fluid-driven cylinder or any othersuitable linear actuator.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4, in several embodiments, the disclosedsystem 100 may also include a controller 220 communicatively coupled tothe floor and surface sensors 190, 212 (e.g., via a wired or wirelesscommunicative link(s) 222). As such, the controller 220 may detectvariations in the profile(s) of the seedbed floor 156 and/or the outerseedbed surface 158 by monitoring the measurement signals provided bythe sensors 190, 212. In such an embodiment, the controller 220 maycompare the detected variation(s) in the profile(s) for the seedbedfloor 156 and/or the outer seedbed surface 158 to a predeterminedvariance threshold associated with each seedbed condition. In the eventthat the detected profile variation(s) exceed the predetermined variancethreshold(s), the controller 220 may be configured to execute a controlaction designed to address the detected profile variation(s). Forinstance, if the detected variation in the vertical profile of theseedbed floor 156 exceeds a predetermined floor variance threshold setfor the seedbed floor 156, the controller 220 may be configured toexecute a control action designed to address the variations in theseedbed floor profile. Similarly, if the detected variation in thevertical profile of the outer seedbed surface 158 exceeds apredetermined surface variance threshold set for the outer seedbedsurface 158, the controller 220 may be configured to execute a controlaction designed to address the variations in the surface profile.

It should be appreciated that the controller 220 may be configured toexecute any suitable type of control action in response to the detectedvariations in the profile of the floor 156 and/or the outer surface 158of the seedbed 160. For instance, in one embodiment, the controller 220may be configured to adjust one or more operational parametersassociated with the tillage implement 102, such as by adjusting theground speed of the tillage implement 102, adjusting a down pressureapplied through the ground-engaging toots 128, 130 of the implement 102and/or adjusting a penetration depth associated with ground-engagingtools 128, 130. In another embodiment, the controller 220 may beconfigured to transmit suitable control signals configured to allow asuitable operator notification to be generated, such as by causing avisual notification to be displayed on a display device located within acab of the work vehicle towing the implement 102 or by causing anaudible notification to be generated for the operator.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic view of a control diagram for thesystem 100 described above is illustrated in accordance with aspects ofthe present subject matter. As shown, various system components may becommunicatively coupled to and/or controlled by the controller 220, suchas the seedbed floor sensor(s) 190, the seedbed surface sensor(s) 212,and/or various components of the implement 102 and/or the work vehicle(indicated by box 224 in FIG. 8) pulling the implement 102 across thefield. As indicated above, based on the measurements signals provided bythe sensors 190, 212, the controller 220 may be configured to detectvariations in the profile(s) of the seedbed floor 156 and/or the outerseedbed surface 158. The controller 220 may then execute one or morecontrol actions, if necessary or desired, when the detected profilevariation(s) exceeds a given threshold(s).

In general, the controller 220 may correspond to any suitableprocessor-based device(s), such as a computing device or any combinationof computing devices. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 220 maygenerally include one or more processor(s) 226 and associated memorydevices 228 configured to perform a variety of computer-implementedfunctions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, algorithms, calculationsand the like disclosed herein). As used herein, the term “processor”refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as beingincluded in a computer, but also refers to a controller, amicrocontroller, microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC),an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmablecircuits. Additionally, the memory 228 may generally comprise memoryelement(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium(e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatilemedium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read onlymemory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc(DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory 228 maygenerally be configured to store information accessible to theprocessor(s) 226, including data 230 that can be retrieved, manipulated,created and/or stored by the processor(s) 226 and instructions 232 thatcan be executed by the processor(s) 226.

In several embodiments, the data 230 may be stored in one or moredatabases. For example, the memory 228 may include a profile database234 for storing seedbed profile data received from the sensors 190, 212.In addition, when the controller 220 receives position data associatedwith the location of the tillage implement 102 within the field from acorresponding positioning device(s) 236 (e.g. a GPS system), thecontroller 220 may also he configured correlate the seedbed profile datawith the corresponding position data and store such correlated datawithin the profile database 234. For instance, in one embodiment, thelocation coordinates derived from the positioning device(s) 236 and theseedbed profile data captured by the sensor(s) 190, 212 may both hetime-stamped. In such an embodiment, the time-stamped data may allowspecific seedbed profile data to be matched or correlated to acorresponding set of location coordinates received from the positioningdevice(s) 236, thereby allowing the precise location of the portion ofthe field associated with a given set of profile data to he known (or atleast capable of calculation) by the controller 220. The correlated datamay then be used, for example, to generate a seedbed profile map for theassociated field.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, in several embodiments, theinstructions 232 stored within the memory 228 of the controller 220 maybe executed by the processor(s) 226 to implement an active controlmodule 238. In general, the active control module 238 may be configuredto automatically execute one or more control actions when it isdetermined that the detected profile variation(s) in the floor 156and/or the outer surface 158 of the seedbed 160 exceeds a givenvariance(s) threshold.

For instance, the controller 220 may be configured to adjust theoperation of the tillage implement 102 in a manner designed to reducethe detected profile variation(s) in the seedbed floor 156 and/or outersurface 158. Specifically, in one embodiment, the controller 220 may beconfigured to increase or decrease the operational or ground speed ofthe implement 102. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, the controller 220may be communicatively coupled to both an engine 2.40 and a transmission242 of the work vehicle 224 being used to pull the implement 102 acrossthe field. In such an embodiment, the controller 220 may be configuredto adjust the operation of the engine 240 and/or the transmission 242 ina manner that increases or decreases, as desired, the ground speed ofthe work vehicle 224 and, thus, the ground speed of the implement 102,such as by transmitting suitable control signals for controlling anengine or speed governor (not shown) associated with the engine 240and/or transmitting suitable control signals for controlling theengagement/disengagement of one or more clutches (not shown) provided inoperative association with the transmission 242.

In addition to the adjusting the ground speed of the implement 102 (oras an alternative thereto), the controller 220 may also be configured toadjust a ground-engaging parameter associated with the ground-engagingtools 128, 130 of the implement 102. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8,the controller 220 may be communicatively coupled to one or more valves244 configured to regulate the supply of fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid orair) to one or more corresponding actuators 246 (e.g., fluid-drivencylinders) of the implement 102. In such an embodiment, by regulatingthe supply of fluid to the actuator(s) 246, the controller 220 mayautomatically adjust the penetration depth, the down pressure, and/orany other suitable ground-engaging parameter(s) associated with theground-engaging tools 128, 130 of the implement 102.

Moreover, as indicated above, in addition to adjusting one or moreoperating parameters associated with the tillage implement 102, thecontroller 220 may also be configured to transmit a notification to theoperator of the work vehicle 224. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, thecontroller 220 may be communicatively coupled to an output device 248located within the cab of the work vehicle 224, such as a display deviceand/or a speaker, for a generating a notification that can be viewedand/or heard by the operator.

Referring still to FIG. 8, the controller 220 may also include acommunications interface 250 to provide a means for the controller 220to communicate with any of the various other system components describedherein. For instance, one or more communicative links or interfaces maybe provided between the communications interface 250 and the sensors190, 212 to allow the profile data transmitted from the sensor(s) 190,212 to be received by the controller 220. Similarly, one or morecommunicative links or interfaces may be provided between thecommunications interface 250 and the positioning device(s 236 to allowthe location information generated by the positioning device(s) 236 tobe received by the controller 220. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, one ormore communicative links or interfaces may be provided between thecommunications interface 250 and the engine 240, the transmission 242,the control valves 244, the output device 248, and/or the like to allowthe controller 220 to control the operation of such system components.

It should be appreciated that, although the disclosed system 100 hasgenerally been described herein as including both a seedbed floordetection assembly 152 and a seedbed surface detection assembly 154,such assemblies 152, 154 may also be used in isolation to monitor theassociated condition of the seedbed 160 being created by the tillageimplement 102. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of oneembodiment in which the system 100 only includes a seedbed floordetection assembly 152 coupled to the auxiliary support arm 150. In suchan embodiment, the seedbed floor detection assembly 152 may generally beconfigured the same as or similar to the floor detection assembly 152described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8. Similarly, FIG. 10illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment in which the system100 only includes a seedbed surface detection assembly 154 coupled tothe auxiliary support arm 150. In such an embodiment, the seedbedsurface detection assembly 154 may generally be configured the same asor similar to the surface detection assembly 154 described above withreference to FIGS. 1-8. However, as shown in FIG. 10, as an alternativethe rolling basket described above, the surface-engaging member 208corresponds to a wheel or tire coupled to the pivot arm 200 of thesurface detection assembly 154.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto he within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring the condition of aseedbed within a field, the system comprising: an implement including aframe extending between a forward end and an aft end, the implementfurther including a plurality of ground-engaging tools supported by theframe, the implement being configured to create or be traversed across aseedbed extending downwardly within the field from an outer seedbedsurface to a seedbed floor; an auxiliary support arm extendinglengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal endbeing rigidly coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent to theaft end of the frame such that the auxiliary support arm isnon-pivotally coupled to the frame; and a seedbed surface detectionassembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm such that the seedbedsurface detection assembly is located behind the plurality ofground-engaging tools relative to a forward travel direction of theimplement, the seedbed surface detection assembly comprising: a firstpivot arm pivotally coupled to the auxiliary support arm; asurface-engaging member coupled to the first pivot arm, thesurface-engaging member configured to contact the outer seedbed surfaceas the implement is moved across the field in the forward traveldirection; and a sensor configured to detect pivotal motion of the firstpivot arm relative to the support arm, wherein the pivotal motion of thefirst pivot arm is indicative of variations in a profile of the outerseedbed surface as the surface-engaging member contacts the outerseedbed surface with movement of the implement in the forward traveldirection.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the surface-engaging membercomprises a rolling basket coupled to the first pivot arm.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the surface-engaging member comprises a wheelcoupled to the first pivot arm.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theseedbed surface sensor comprises a rotary sensor coupled to one of thefirst pivot arm or the auxiliary support arm and a sensor linkagecoupled between the rotary sensor and the other of the first pivot armor the auxiliary support arm.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a biasing mechanism coupled between the auxiliary support armand the first pivot arm, the biasing mechanism configured to bias thefirst pivot arm away from the auxiliary support frame towards theseedbed.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controllercommunicatively coupled to the seedbed surface sensor, the controllerbeing configured to monitor the variations in the profile of the outerseedbed surface.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the controller isconfigured to compare the variations in the profile of the outer seedbedsurface to a predetermined threshold.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein,when the variations in the profile of the outer seedbed surface exceedthe predetermined threshold, the controller is configured toautomatically execute a control action to address the variations in theprofile of the outer seedbed surface.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe control action is associated with adjusting at least one of a groundspeed of the implement, a down pressure applied through theground-engaging tools, or a penetration depth of the ground-engagingtools.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the control action isassociated with transmitting a notification to an operator of a workvehicle pulling the implement across the field.
 11. The system of claim1, further comprising a seedbed floor detection assembly coupled to theauxiliary support arm such that the seedbed surface detection assemblyis located behind the seedbed floor detection assembly relative to theforward travel direction of the implement.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the seedbed floor detection assembly comprises: a second pivotarm pivotally coupled to the auxiliary support arm at a location spacedapart from the first pivot arm; a seedbed tool coupled to the secondpivot arm, the seedbed tool being configured to penetrate throughloosened soil of the seedbed and ride along the seedbed floor as theimplement is moved across the field in the forward travel direction; anda seedbed floor sensor configured to detect pivotal motion of the secondpivot arm relative to the support arm, wherein the pivotal motion of thesecond pivot arm is indicative of variations in a profile of the seedbedfloor as the seedbed tool rides along the seedbed floor with movement ofthe implement in the forward travel direction.
 13. The system of claim12, wherein the seedbed tool comprises at least one rotary memberconfigured to roll along the seedbed floor as the implement is movedacross the field in the forward travel direction.
 14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the seedbed floor sensor comprises a rotary sensorcoupled to one of the second pivot arm or the auxiliary support arm anda sensor linkage coupled between the rotary sensor and the other of thesecond pivot arm or the auxiliary support arm.
 15. A system formonitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field, the systemcomprising: an implement including a frame extending between a forwardend and an aft end, the implement further including a plurality ofground-engaging tools supported by the frame, the implement beingconfigured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extendingdownwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbedfloor; an auxiliary support arm extending lengthwise between a proximalend and a distal end, the proximal end being rigidly coupled to aportion of the frame at or adjacent to the aft end of the frame suchthat the auxiliary support arm is non-pivotally coupled to the frame; aseedbed surface detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support armsuch that the seedbed surface detection assembly is located behind theplurality of ground-engaging tools relative to a forward traveldirection of the implement, the seedbed surface detection assemblycomprising: a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the auxiliary support arm;a surface-engaging member coupled to the pivot arm, the surfacesengaging member configured to contact the outer seedbed surface as theimplement is moved across the field in the forward travel direction; anda seedbed surface sensor configured to detect pivotal motion of thepivot arm relative to the support arm; and a controller communicativelycoupled to the seedbed surface sensor, the controller being configuredto detect variations in a profile of the outer seedbed surface as thesurface-engaging member contacts the outer seedbed surface with movementof the implement in the forward travel direction based on sensormeasurements provided by the seedbed surface sensor.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the surface-engaging member comprises a rolling basketor a wheel coupled to the pivot arm.
 17. The system of claim 15, whereinthe seedbed surface sensor comprises a rotary sensor coupled to one ofthe pivot arm or the auxiliary support arm and a sensor linkage coupledbetween the rotary sensor and the other of the pivot arm or theauxiliary support arm.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein thecontroller is configured to compare the variations in the profile of theouter seedbed surface to a predetermined threshold.
 19. The system ofclaim 18, wherein, when the variations in the profile of the outerseedbed surface exceed the predetermined threshold, the controller isconfigured to automatically execute a control action to address thevariations in the profile of the outer seedbed surface.
 20. The systemof claim 19, wherein the control action is associated with adjusting atleast one of a ground speed of the implement, a down pressure appliedthrough the ground-engaging tools, or a penetration depth of theground-engaging tools.